The Charm Bracelet

I have more reviews than days of the month so I am sharing an extra one with you today.  The cats are still up to their nonsense. Miss Penny keeps trying to take up residence in my bedroom, but Doozy is not having it! Doozy is now posted in the doorway to prevent her from entering (she is the only cat allowed to live on the dogs side of the house).  Please be assured that my cats live a very comfy existence (they have two rooms all to themselves).  The cats have cats trees (3), shelves (they love climbing them), toys (my daughter is always bringing them new ones), and other things (like tunnels) to keep them happy and occupied.  They are very spoiled!

The Charm Bracelet by Viola Shipman is set in Scoops, Michigan.  Lolly Lindsey has the beginning of dementia.  She knows that this will be her last chance to tell her stories and family history to her family.  Arden, Lolly’s daughter, gets a call about her mother from a neighbor.  Arden and her daughter, Laurel hurry back to Scoops to check on Lolly.  This is Lolly’s chance to spend time with her busy daughter and granddaughter.  Lolly tells her story via the charms on her charm bracelet.  Each charm represents a special event or time in her life.  Each charm is a story and has a life lesson.   Lolly wants to pass along to Arden and Lindsey about living life to its fullest and enjoying each day.  Can Lolly change Arden’s and Lindsey’s perspective (and what is most important) on life?  Come join Lolly, Arden, and Laurel on a journey towards a better life.

The Charm Bracelet was sweet (though extremely predictable) story.  It was passable, but not riveting (engrossing or engaging).  It is a story that has been told before and has a expected outcome.  The writing is satisfactory, and the characters (for the most part) are relatable (especially Arden).   But there is something off (did not feel right or seem right about the female characters).  I did not discover it until after I finished the book (I wanted to see what other people were saying about the book).  The author is not a woman and it explains so much (hard to put into words).  I finished The Charm Bracelet, but I did a lot of skimming (i.e. speed reading--best thing I ever learned in the advanced reading class in middle school) to finish it.  I give The Charm Bracelet 2.5 out of 5 stars. If you are looking for a light, summer read, then you will enjoy The Charm Bracelet (it was just not for me).

This was Viola Shipman's debut novel.  You can follow the author on Amazon to get updates on new books.  The author is currently at work on his next novel (no, I will not be reading it).  I received a complimentary copy of The Charm Bracelet from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the book.

Thank you so much for visiting.  I am currently reading Blessings in Disguise by Nancy Mehl.  It is the first book in a new series by Guideposts.  They produce some wonderful books.  Have a great night and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader